England batsman Marcus Trescothick has said he is not yet ready to make himself available for a return to international cricket.

Trescothick, the Somerset opener, pulled out of England's winter tour to Australia with a stress-related illness which also ruled him out of the World Cup.

Trescothick's absence has been sorely missed in the Caribbean as England's openers struggle for form with Michael Vaughan, Ed Joyce and the recalled Andrew Strauss all failing with the bat.

But the 31-year-old, who showed the form which made him England's most consistent one-day batsman by hitting 256 for Somerset in a pre-season friendly against Devon at the weekend, will not rush back to action.

He said: "I am desperate to play for England again, but it wouldn't be fair to anyone if I attempted to do so again without being doubly certain that I could complete an overseas tour, as well take part in games over here.

"I wouldn't have gone to Australia if I hadn't felt convinced in my own mind that I could handle an Ashes series there. Now I know that feeling was wrong.

"I am sure I will reach a stage when I am fully recovered, but I will not put pressure on myself by predicting when that will be."

Trescothick says he has watched most of England's games since returning from Australia and wishes he could still be a part of the team currently vying for a semi-final spot at the World Cup.

He said: "While viewing the Ashes matches I really wished I could be out there helping the team, but knew deep down that needed to be at home.

"With the World Cup it has been different in that I just wish I was there full stop, which in itself demonstrates progress.

"I believe I will play for England again, but only when the time is right for all concerned."

West Indies captainBrian Lara is set to retire from one-day cricket after the World Cup.

South Africa beat the hosts by 67 runs yesterday to all but end their hopes of reaching the semi-finals. However, Lara is planning to end his one-day career on a high note in his final two games against Bangladesh and England.

Lara said: "I think this is the end of my one-day career, for sure. I honestly feel my game is over and we should give it to one of the younger players.

"After the World Cup the next one-day tournament for the West Indies is in June in England and I'd love to sit back and watch and see the team do well.

"These might be my last two one-day internationals but I still want to see the team moving out of this competition learning something from it and that's all I can hope for."

England have been fined for a slow over-rate during their seven-wicket defeat to Australia in Sunday's World Cup Super Eight match in Antigua.

Match referee Mike Procter imposed the fines after Michael Vaughan's side was ruled to be two overs short of their target at the scheduled finish of the Australia innings when time allowances were taken into consideration.

In accordance with the International Cricket Council's Code of Conduct, players are fined five per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount.

As such, Vaughan has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee while his players have each received 10 per cent fines.

Sri Lanka pace bowler Lasith Malinga is doubtful for Thursday's World Cup Super Eights match against New Zealand after injuring a ligament in his left ankle.

Malinga, who has taken 15 wickets at 14.26 runs each, including an unprecedented four from four balls against South Africa, practised with the Sri Lanka team on Wednesday.

However, he did not take part in the warm-up and bowled only three balls at a gentle pace in the middle of the Grenada national stadium. He later sat in the balcony with his ankle wrapped in a bandage.